FA agrees to Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Action Plan

By Al Hain-Cole

English soccer's governing body has stepped up efforts to combat racism and discrimination after a number of high-profile scandals this year.

The FA has announced a collaboration with representatives from the football authorities, former players and campaign groups in an effort to stamp out discriminatory behavior within the sport in its new Anti-Discrimination Action Plan.

The plan first took took shape during February's Downing Street summit regarding racism in football, when a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee review was held in the aftermath of the scandal involving Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

"This is a commitment on behalf of English football to ensure the game is inclusive and free of discrimination. Only by the sum of all our parts working together, will we affect further and greater change," FA chairman David Bernstein explained on the FA's official website. "This continues to be a top priority for me, as chairman of the Football Association, and I believe this action plan states our collective commitment and lays out clearly the individual actions to move forward this vital agenda."